Notification

Icon
Error

Login


Take the time to read our Privacy Policy.

ArtemisLDS Offline
#1 Posted : Monday, 23 March 2026 11:25:43 PM(UTC)
ArtemisLDS

Rank: Newbie

Reputation:

Groups: Registered
Joined: 23/03/2026(UTC)
Posts: 2
Australia
Location: Melbourne

Hi everyone
New here.

I'm working on fixing a friend's car, and I'm almost done, just a few last things to go.

Friend's car is a Holden Barina TM 2012.

Some history:
Friend's car would shake violently when idling.
They mentioned oil leak, so they topped up.
I believe they overfilled, and also, it was leaking engine oil as the spark plug wells were full of oil.
So I've drained the oil, replaced it with new.
Replaced oil filter.
Replaced spark plugs (they were also in very bad condition) and coil pack (it was slightly damaged/worn).
Replaced engine cover gasket.

So far no more leaks, drives smoother, but idles still a little rough, especially when using AC.
Particularly when using AC, engine light comes on if idling too long, or slow driving - random/multiple misfires detected.
Turn off AC and light goes away, or with AC on, when cruising, no light.

So seems to be a lack of power somewhere.

Which leads to this noise I hear when doing slow accelerations, sounds like the engine is struggling a little.
https://youtube.com/shorts/puQu22IfOuk

Finally, I also noticed, when AC is on, brakes get stuck (so if you pump the brakes before starting the car, and you get that stiff stuck feeling, that's what I feel) when doing slow menuveurs, such as park or 3 point turns.
Turn off AC and it slowly goes back to normal.
AC on, it'll happen again, but doesn't happen during regular driving.
Read on Google it relates to not enough power or something, boost or rather, for brakes to function properly.

So I feel like there's a common theme going on, hoping someone os able to advise what it is exactly, and how to fix.
Dr Terry Offline
#2 Posted : Tuesday, 24 March 2026 4:06:02 PM(UTC)
Dr Terry

Rank: Veteran

Reputation:

Groups: Moderator, Registered
Joined: 1/03/2005(UTC)
Posts: 6,135

Thanks: 1 times
Was thanked: 235 time(s) in 209 post(s)
The TM Barina is a pretty good reliable little car, especially when compared to the older (Opel) versions.

The only regular fault we see on these is a leaking PCV valve, which is part of the rocker cover.

The main reason I mention this is that it mainly effects idle quality.

Dr Terry
If at first you don't succeed, just call it Version 1.0
ArtemisLDS Offline
#3 Posted : Tuesday, 24 March 2026 5:59:50 PM(UTC)
ArtemisLDS

Rank: Newbie

Reputation:

Groups: Registered
Joined: 23/03/2026(UTC)
Posts: 2
Australia
Location: Melbourne

Is there a way I can test for the leak?

Otherwise, presuming the leak, would it cause brakes to not engage properly, or get stuck, when doing slow menuveurs with AC on?
Dr Terry Offline
#4 Posted : Wednesday, 25 March 2026 5:15:15 AM(UTC)
Dr Terry

Rank: Veteran

Reputation:

Groups: Moderator, Registered
Joined: 1/03/2005(UTC)
Posts: 6,135

Thanks: 1 times
Was thanked: 235 time(s) in 209 post(s)
I'm not sure what you mean by the brakes getting "stuck", but the brake booster is badly effected by low or erratic manifold vacuum.

Check the PCV plumbing & temporarily block it off to see if it changes the idle speed or quality.

Dr Terry

Edited by user Wednesday, 25 March 2026 5:15:59 AM(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

If at first you don't succeed, just call it Version 1.0
Users browsing this topic
Guest (6)
Forum Jump  
You cannot post new topics in this forum.
You cannot reply to topics in this forum.
You cannot delete your posts in this forum.
You cannot edit your posts in this forum.
You cannot create polls in this forum.
You cannot vote in polls in this forum.

Powered by YAF | YAF © 2003-2026, Yet Another Forum.NET
This page was generated in 0.163 seconds.